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Connolly CE, Norris K. Measuring mental ill-health in the veterinary industry: A systematic review. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3382. [PMID: 38391094 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Many instruments have been developed to examine and quantify symptoms of psychopathology. The main objective of this systematic review was to examine the instrument choice employed to measure mental ill-health in professionals working in the veterinary industry and reporting of psychometric testing of these instruments by researchers. 78 papers were reviewed. A total of 73 different instruments used to measure 19 symptoms of mental ill-health were identified. Quality assessment of included papers indicated 9 were low, 63 were moderate, and 6 were high quality. Reliability testing was conducted and reported in 36 papers and validity testing was reported in 23 papers. There is considerable heterogeneity in instrument choice measuring symptoms of mental ill-health in this population and inconsistency in conducting and reporting psychometric testing of instruments across studies. Adopting commonly employed instruments that yield high quality data in psychometric testing of instruments would be beneficial at advancing understanding in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberley Norris
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Noe MTN, Baysal Y, Masserey A, Hartnack S, Guseva Canu I. Measurement of compassion fatigue in animal health care professionals: a systematic review of available instruments and their content validity. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1425741. [PMID: 39132439 PMCID: PMC11310126 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1425741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Compassion fatigue (CF) refers to emotional or physical exhaustion and emotional reactions resulting from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, commonly experienced by professionals in caregiving roles. CF is prevalent among healthcare professionals, including those in animal care. Several Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were developed to measure CF, but their psychometric validity was not reviewed systematically. This study aims to identify and review the content validity of CF PROMs used in animal health care professionals. Methods Literature was searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE (1973-2023). We included studies conducted in animal health care professionals, using a PROM to measure CF, reporting at least one psychometric property of this PROM, and published as original research. For each identified PROM, additional literature search was conducted to identify PROM development and content validation studies. Three independent reviewers evaluated the content validity of each PROM using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology and summarized the quality of evidence using a modified GRADE approach. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023433982) and results reported following PRISMA guidelines. Results Initially, 1709 studies were identified. After a double screening, 17 eligible studies were included. CF was measured using six different PROMs or their modified versions. Only one PROM specifically targeted animal health care professionals: the ProQOL-5 Veterinary Medicine Version. This and three other original CF PROMs were reviewed. For all PROMs, the quality of content validity was rated as insufficient due to deficiencies in the concept and items elicitation, inadequate target population representation, and inadequate details on cognitive interview procedures. The overall evidence quality was rated as low due to a limited number of PROM validation studies, poor methodological and reporting quality, and indirect result. Discussion There is a scarcity of studies examining CF within the target population, and the quality of evidence for content validity of the reviewed PROMs for CF measurement is currently low. CF definition and construct description in PROM development studies suffer from vagueness and seem inadequately reflected by the content of the reviewed PROMs. Further research with a robust methodology seems necessary to address the identified flows. Systematic review registration Measurement of compassion fatigue in people working with animals: protocol for a systematic review. PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023433982. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023433982.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Thet Nu Noe
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yigit Baysal
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anaïs Masserey
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Hartnack
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irina Guseva Canu
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Connolly CE, Norris K. Understanding psychological outcomes following exposure to potentially morally injurious events in animal care: development of the Moral Distress-Posttraumatic Growth Scale for Veterinary Professionals. N Z Vet J 2024; 72:201-211. [PMID: 38684229 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2024.2342903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To generate a taxonomy of potentially morally injurious events (PMIE) encountered in veterinary care and develop an instrument to measure moral distress and posttraumatic growth following exposure to PMIE in the veterinary population. METHODS Development and preliminary evaluation of the Moral Distress-Posttraumatic Growth Scale for Veterinary Professionals (MD-PTG-VP) employed data from veterinary professionals (veterinarians, veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians) from Australia and New Zealand across three phases: (1) item generation, (2) content validation, and (3) construct validation. In Phase 1 respondents (n = 46) were asked whether they had experienced any of six PMIE and to identify any PMIE not listed that they had experienced. In Phase 2 a different group of respondents (n = 11) assessed a list of 10 PMIE for relevance, clarity and appropriateness. In Phase 3 the final instrument was tested with a third group of respondents (n = 104) who also completed the Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT), a measure of posttraumatic stress, and the Stress-Related Growth Scale-Short Form (SRGS-SF) a measure of perceived posttraumatic growth. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated between respondent scores on each of the MD-PTG-VP subscales, the SPRINT, and the SRGS-SF to assess construct validity. RESULTS A 10-item taxonomy of PMIE encountered in veterinary care was generated in Phase 1. Items were deemed relevant, clear and appropriate by veterinary professionals in Phase 2. These were included in the developed instrument which measures frequency and impact of exposure to 10 PMIE, yielding three subscale scores (exposure frequency, moral distress, and posttraumatic growth). Assessment of construct validity by measuring correlation with SPRINT and SRGS-SF indicated satisfactory validity. CONCLUSIONS The MD-PTG-VP provides an informative tool that can be employed to examine professionals' mental health and wellbeing following exposure to PMIE frequently encountered in animal care. Further evaluation is required to ascertain population norms and confirm score cut-offs that reflect clinical presentation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Once fully validated this instrument may be useful to quantify the frequency and intensity of positive and negative aspects of PMIE exposure on veterinary professionals so that accurate population comparisons can be made and changes measured over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Connolly
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - K Norris
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Li K, Mooney E, McArthur M, Hall E, Quain A. A comparison between veterinary small animal general practitioners and emergency practitioners in Australia. Part 1: demographic and work-related factors. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1355505. [PMID: 38577547 PMCID: PMC10993158 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1355505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Occupational stressors are commonly encountered in small animal veterinary practice and have been associated with burnout. The working context of veterinarians differs by specialty, and this can potentially lead to variable exposures to risk factors for burnout. The aim of this study was to explore differences in demographic and working conditions of veterinary general practitioners (GPs) and emergency practitioners (EPs) to compare exposure to different potential stressors. An anonymous, online survey was administered to veterinary GPs and EPs practicing in metropolitan regions of Australia. In total, 320 participant responses were analyzed (n = 237, 74.2% GPs and n = 83, 25.9% EPs). Significant differences (P < 0.05) in the demographics and work-related exposures were found between the two groups. GPs were found to be older than EPs with a greater number of years of experience in their field (P < 0.001). Most veterinary GPs worked only day shifts (207/236, 87.7%); where EPs worked a greater variety of shift patterns, with "only day shifts" being the least common shift pattern (P < 0.001). Most GPs worked a set and predictable roster pattern (195/236, 83.6%), while most EPs did not (51/83, 61.5%). EPs worked more weekends and public holidays (P < 0.001). The EP group performed more hours of work each week but worked less overtime. The main contributing factors for overtime were scheduling factors for GPs and staffing issues for EPs. EPs were commonly not able to take meal-breaks and GPs' meal-breaks were commonly interrupted by work. EPs were more frequently exposed to patient death, euthanasia (including for financial reasons), emotionally distressed clients and delivering negative news (P < 0.001). Both groups indicated that most work environments were collegiate and supportive, and a minority reported toxic colleagues (11.8%) or management teams (26.9%). Just under one-half of respondents reported having witnessed or experienced workplace bullying. Of our respondent group, 52.0% (166/319) were not satisfied with their remuneration. Desire to leave their principal area of practice was prevalent among this survey group (192/319, 60.2%) with approximately one-third considering leaving the veterinary profession. We discuss the implications of these workplace factors, including mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Mooney
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle McArthur
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Evelyn Hall
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Musetti A, Zagaria A, Pezzi M, Fante C, Dioni B, Raffin C, Manari T, Lenzo V, De Luca Picione R. Parental quality of life, child adjustment and adult attachment in parents of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 146:104684. [PMID: 38281373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may experience a lower quality of life (QoL) than parents of offspring with typical development. However, factors associated with parental QoL are not yet fully understood. AIMS This study aimed to investigate the relationships between parental QoL, child adjustment and adult attachment among parents of children and adolescents with ASD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES One hundred and eighty-eight parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD completed a group of self-report questionnaires on sociodemographic variables, QoL (i.e., overall QoL and ASD symptoms-related parental QoL), child adjustment (i.e., offspring's total problems and prosocial behaviors) and adult attachment. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Structural equation modeling revealed that the overall parental QoL was negatively related to children's total problems and positively associated with prosocial behaviors, as well as with higher levels of secure attachment and lower levels of fearful attachment styles. Additionally, ASD symptoms-related parental QoL was negatively associated with the offspring's total problems. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This suggests that child characteristics may interact with parental characteristics to either enhance or compromise the QoL of parents of children and adolescents with ASD. Implications of these findings for promoting parental QoL are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Musetti
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Zagaria
- Sapienza University of Rome Department of Psychology, Roma, Italy
| | - Mattia Pezzi
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Fante
- Institute for Educational Technologies, National Research Council, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Dioni
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy; Fondazione Bambini e Autismo Onlus, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Cinzia Raffin
- Fondazione Bambini e Autismo Onlus, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Tommaso Manari
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- University of Catania Department Educational Sciences, Catania, Italy
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Chan CKY, Wong PWC. Predictors of Suicide Risk and Mental Health Outcomes among Hong Kong Veterinarians: A Cross-Sectional Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:770. [PMID: 37754048 PMCID: PMC10526002 DOI: 10.3390/bs13090770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The professional quality of life (ProQOL) in the veterinary profession has gained increasing attention, yet little is known about its association with the mental health status of Hong Kong veterinarians. This study aimed to examine the impact of elements that make up ProQOL on the risk of suicide, depression, and anxiety among Hong Kong veterinarians. All veterinarians registered and practicing in Hong Kong at the time of recruitment were eligible to take part in the e-survey study between 1 January and 31 March 2022. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data from 56 participants. The results showed that 22.0% of the participants were at risk of suicide, 19.6% had current suicidal ideation, 29.4% had depression, and 29.4% had anxiety symptoms. The findings suggested poor mental health status among Hong Kong veterinarians and were comparable to or more prevalent than those reported in Anglophone and European countries. Results from the binary logistic regression suggested that burnout was a predictor of depressive symptoms, and that secondary traumatic stress showed potential in predicting suicide risk. Our study, however, did not find conclusive evidence supporting compassion satisfaction as a predictor of reduced symptoms of common mental issues. Further investigation into contextual factors affecting the mental health of veterinarians in Hong Kong is warranted. Improving the profession's mental health literacy and self-efficacy should be prioritized as a suicide prevention strategy to enhance mental health awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille K. Y. Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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da Silva CR, Gomes AAD, dos Santos-Doni TR, Antonelli AC, Vieira RFDC, da Silva ARS. Suicide in veterinary medicine: A literature review. Vet World 2023; 16:1266-1276. [PMID: 37577194 PMCID: PMC10421543 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1266-1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians are commonly exposed to occupational stressors, including excessive workload and financial constraints. These stressors can lead to psychological distress, which typically results in mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and burnout and can even culminate in suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Risk factors associated with poor mental health and high rates of suicide in veterinary practitioners include continuous exposure to challenging scenarios, such as interpersonal conflicts, performing euthanasia, and easy access to lethal means of suicide, such as opioids and anesthetics. The previous studies highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of predisposing factors, mental health-related improvements in the professional environment, and the subsequent establishment of primary mental health-related care policies. Effective ways to promote mental health and prevent suicide may include social support, resilience, developing coping skills, promoting a healthy work environment, and discouraging perfectionist behaviors. This review aimed to summarize findings in studies that have investigated mental health and suicide in veterinarians and veterinary students and highlight measures that could be implemented as options for mental health promotion and suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ana Amélia Domingues Gomes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Thaís Rabelo dos Santos-Doni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Coutinho Antonelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rafael Felipe da Costa Vieira
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health, and Human Services, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexandre Redson Soares da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Campus of Agricultural Sciences, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Connolly CE, Norris K, Martin A, Dawkins S, Meehan C. A taxonomy of occupational and organisational stressors and protectors of mental health reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:367-376. [PMID: 35560212 PMCID: PMC9544948 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop a taxonomy of positive and negative occupational and organisational factors reported that impact the mental health of veterinary professionals. METHODS Veterinary professionals working in Australasia were surveyed between February and June of 2021. The survey comprised two questions related to participants' perceptions of the positive and negative aspects of their job role that impact their mental health and wellbeing. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the responses and generate two taxonomies of occupational and organisation stressors and protectors reported by participants. RESULTS Fifty-three responses from veterinary professionals were analysed. The final stressor taxonomy generated contained 9 overarching themes and 36 subthemes. The most common of these were negative work conditions, challenging relationships with clients, and adverse events and patient outcomes. The taxonomy of protectors contained 11 overarching themes and 32 subthemes, with the most common including fulfillment and satisfaction, positive work conditions, and relationships with colleagues. CONCLUSION This study is the first to examine both positive and negative factors in the veterinary industry reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia. The results highlighted stressors that can be addressed on both an individual and organisational level to promote the mental and health well-being of professionals working in the animal care industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Connolly
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - K Norris
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - A Martin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - S Dawkins
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - C Meehan
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Lenzo V, Sardella A, Maisano Branca G, Bordino V, Aragona M, Garipoli C, Schimmenti A, Quattropani MC. The interplay between burnout risk and attachment styles among palliative care practitioners. PSYCHODYNAMIC PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14753634.2021.1922305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences of the Mediterranean Area, University for Foreigners “Dante Alighieri” of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Alberto Sardella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuliana Maisano Branca
- Medical Oncology Unit with Hospice, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Valentina Bordino
- Palliative Home Care Service, Sisifo - Consortium of Social Cooperatives, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Aragona
- Medical Oncology Unit with Hospice, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Garipoli
- Medical Oncology Unit with Hospice, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE – Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
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